In WKTV’s final high school football regular season Featured Game of the Week, the South Christian Sailors will bring a perfect record into a battle with also undefeated Grand Rapids Catholic Central. The game will be a “home away from hone” game at played East Kentwood High School.
South Christian (5-0) defeated Middleville Thornapple-Kellogg (2-3), 28-7, on the road on Oct. 16. Central Catholic is also 5-0, and tied with South Christian for the OK Gold Conference lead.
The game is important in several ways: an outright OK Gold title during this pandemic shortened season, seeding for the upcoming and expanded state playoffs, and, of course, that rivalry thing.
But for Sailors head coach Danny Brown the game is all about his senior leaders, and his team continuing to improve each week. And one of those senior leaders is quarterback Ty Rynbrandt. WKTV caught up with both before at a Wednesday practice.
WKTV’s Featured Game crew will be at the 7 p.m. game, and the game will be broadcast on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel. WKTV also livestream games where allowed on WKTV.org (click on Live).
WKTV also rebroadcasts games on the night of the game, and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of football and other fall prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.
It’s getting darker earlier in the evening, so we’re going to take a look at headlight laws this week.
Question: It’s 9p.m., and a driver is leaving his or her house. Which lights are legal for them to have lit on their vehicle while driving?
Just headlights
Headlights and fog lights
Just foglights
1 and 2
I’m not sure I’ll check back tomorrow
The answer is 4) 1, Just headlights and 2, headlights and fog lights. Just fog lights are not sufficient lighting to drive on the roadway, according to MCL 257.696. That statute states that fog lights are to only light 25 feet in front of a vehicle, and be angled downward. Head lamps, according to 257.699, need to illuminate 100 feet in front of a vehicle when on low beams!
The back line for South Christian High School Sailors didn’t allow the Wyoming-Lee Legends a single shot-on-goal the entire match during a 1-0 win in a boys soccer District 34 semifinal, Thursday, Oct. 20, at South Christian.
“My favorite part about them (his defense) is that they gave up zero shots,” South Christian head coach Jason Boersma said to WKTV. “I think they (Lee) got a corner kick, maybe two and no shots came out of those.”
Defense was the strength of both teams, in fact, as the only goal scoredwas by Sailors senior Jeff Herrema, who had an unassisted goal in the 23rd minute after a goal kick by the Legends and a Saliors header back to Herrema.
“My favorite part of Jeff Herrema is his grit. He is a workhorse,” Boersma said. “When you look at the goal he scored, it was pure effort to get through two defenders.”
The Legends best scoring opportunity was a block in front of the box where senior Nik Schepers would meet the Lee striker with a sliding collision. Outside of that play, Lee set up a couple of opportunities for sophomore Ismael Galvin.
Lee finishes their season at 10-3-1, including a 7-0 win over Hopkins in the Legends’ district tournament opener last week.
South Christian (14-0-1) looks to keep a zero in the loss column as they meet Unity Christian in the District final at South Christian Thursday, Oct. 22, with a 6 p.m. kickoff.
For more Wyoming and Kentwood area high school sports news, visit wktvjournal.org/sports.
The City of Kentwood invites city families to participate in a Trunk or Treat Drive-through event this weekend as “masked goblins, princesses, ghosts, witches, vampires and the likes” are also invited to haunt the city’s annual event Saturday, Oct. 24.
According to an announcement from the city, the free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch, located at 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
Each year, children traditionally trick-or-treat around in the city’s public works facility full of decorated city and community vehicles. The year, however, to keep everyone safe, families will drive through a line of decorated trucks to collect the coveted treats.
“This year has been filled with so many cancellations, so we wanted to organize an event that will give kids something to look forward to and feel more normal while still making sure participants are safe,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “Halloween is already a spirited and fun holiday so we’re looking forward to seeing all of the extra creativity that comes out of this year’s event.”
Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and bring their own candy-collection bag. All participants are required to wear a mask and remain in their vehicles for the event.
Participants will also have the opportunity to virtually vote for their favorite trunk out of the 20-plus organizations and community groups that will be handing out individually packaged treats with masks and gloves on throughout the event.
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department will continue to monitor public health guidance and state orders, which may necessitate changes to the event. More information is available at kentwood.us/trunkortreat.
Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra announced today, Oct. 20, that students and staff at Wyoming Junior High will move to remote learning for contract tracing after receiving notification from the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) of a positive COVID-19 test result.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the district was notified by the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) that an individual at the junior high had received a positive COVID-19 test result.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in collaboration with the Kent County Health Department, it has been determined that closing the building will give the KCHD the necessary time to complete contract tracing and contact any staff and/or student(s) that may have come in contact with those who have tested positive,” according to the statement. “This will also allow us to slow any potential community spread.”
The move to remote learning will begin immediately, on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and run through at least Friday, Oct. 23.
“The District will work alongside the KCHD to assess the reopening of Wyoming Junior High the following week,” according to the statement. “An update will be provided to all Wyoming Junior High families on Friday, October 23rd. During the closure, the District will thoroughly clean and disinfect the school building while staff and students are not present.”
Other WPS school buildings except Gladiola elementary — which is currently also in a remote-learning status due to positive COVID-19 testing — will remain open for in-person learning.
The district statement also “urges all WPS staff and students who experience symptoms or who may have been exposed to COVID-19 to get tested and self-quarantine. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children for the onset of any symptoms related to COVID-19. If there is any change in your child’s health, please contact your medical provider.”
The KCHD offers free COVID-19 screenings at multiple sites via appointment or walk-in. More information on sites and appointments is available online here or by calling 616-632-7200.
The district also “urges all of our students, staff and families to comply with the CDC guidelines to avoid further spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
Wyoming Junior High families were reminded to check their email and ParentVue accounts for additional updates.
More information on Wyoming Public Schools is available at wyominggps.org.
The state tournament has started for boys soccer and the first district matchup for the Wyoming High School Wolves was on the road Thursday, Oct. 15, at East Grand Rapids against the Pioneers, after a season when both teams posted highly improved records from last year.
The Wolves stayed close for most of the game, and had their chances to equal a 1-0 early lead for the Pioneers. But East Grand Rapids put the game out of reach with three late goals in a 4-0 win.
The last time East Grand Rapids and Wyoming faced each other in the state tournament was in 2015, when East Grand Rapids defeated Wyoming 2-1 in Wyoming.
Wyoming, coached by Romer Carrasco, posted an 8-2 record in the COVID-19 shortened regular season but fell short of the OK Green finals with a loss to Muskegon Mona Shores, 4-3.
First-year head coach Mike Vollmer lead East Grand Rapids to an OK White conference championship by beating Grand Rapids Christian, 2-1, and finished their regular season campaign with a 10-3 record.
The Muskegon Museum of Art’s annual holiday event, the Festival of Trees is making some adjustments. This year, in consideration of community health, the MMA staff and FOT volunteer committee decided to spread the holiday spirit into downtown. The MMA, collaborating with downtown businesses and organizations, is organizing a new version of the annual holiday event – Festival of Wreaths – a wreath walk event that people can enjoy from the sidewalk or street from Nov. 24 through Dec. 6.
About Festival of Wreaths
According to MMA Assistant Director Catherine Mott, “The Festival of Wreaths will work two-fold, inspiring the holiday spirit and encouraging people to walk and explore downtown Muskegon.” Each participating downtown business or organization will host a designer wreath provided by the MMA in a window facing the street or sidewalk from November 24-December 6. The MMA will also have a small gallery display of decor during the run of the Festival. The MMA will provide a walking map with the location of all the wreaths in both a printed and digital version, accessible via a QR code. The QR code will be printed on signage and available at www.muskegonartmuseum.org. Printed maps will be available at the MMA store and at participating businesses starting November 24.
Hot Cocoa Hop Special Event
On Saturday, Nov. 28. (Small Business Saturday), the MMA will host a Hot Cocoa Hop, serving free hot cocoa in the MMA parking lot from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will encourage participants to check out all the wreaths and to shop at and visit local downtown Muskegon businesses and attractions. Wreath Walk maps will be available at the event. The MMA galleries and store will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 28. The MMA is located at 296 W. Webster Ave., in downtown Muskegon. Visit muskegonartmuseum.org for more information.
Raheef Alturkmani grew up in war ravage Syria before coming to the U.S. in 2011 to pursue his education. He currently works in human resources at the Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Mich., and teaches part time at Northwood University.
“He joins us to share his personal story and to help us understand why we should understand worldwide migration and why we should aspire to be that safe harbor amid global storms,” Headbloom said.
At present, the country of Syria is experiencing a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. The military hostilities have caused more than 500,000 deaths including thousands of deaths due to lack of medical care. To date, eleven million Syrians have been displaced by this conflict.
To help bridge the cultural gap, Alturkmani is part of Dow’s Middle East/North African (MENA) Employee Resource Group, one of ten employee resource groups at the company. Through MENA, Alturkmani helps break stereotypes, bring awareness and inclusion of Middle Eastern culture, and provides insight into conducting business in the region. The group, according to Alturkmani, is made up of people with MENA descent and those who have visited or are just interested in the region and want to be connected to the culture. The group also provides support to those of MENA descent along with resources and networking for employees and the company.
While all the local public school districts have Board of Education candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot, only the Kentwood Public Schools board has contested seats to be voted on.
Kentwood Public Schools
The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education has five candidates, four of them incumbents, running for four positions, all with 4-year terms.
Leonica Riley Erwin is running to unseat one of four incumbents running for re-election. Angie Forton is the current board secretary and has been a board member for nine years. Angela Hovermale is a current board trustee and has been a board member for four years. Mary (Mimi) Madden is the current board president and has been on the board for 17 years. And Allen Young is the current board vice president and has been on the board for eight years.
Wyoming Public Schools
The Wyoming Public Schools Board of Education has four candidates — two of which would be new to the board — running for four positions, three 6-year terms and one partial term.
The two new-to-the-board candidates are Shannon Frick and Jessica A. Hanselman.
Craig P. Popma is currently the board treasurer, and Jeff Norton is a current trustee running for a partial term ending in December 2022.
Kelloggsville Public Schools
The Kelloggsville Public Schools Board of Education has five candidates, all current board members, running for five positions, three 6-year terms and two partial terms.
Marie Groters is the current board vice president, and Tim Pomorski and Laura L. Tanis are both current trustees running for full, 6-year terms. Debra Sellers is a current trustee running for partial term ending December 2024, and Crystal Reidzans is the current board treasurer and is running for a partial term ending December 2022.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools
The Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Board of Education has three candidates, two already serving the board, running for three full 6-year term positions.
David Blok is the current board vice president, and Tammy Schafer is the current board secretary. Cheryl L. Slaughter would be new to the board.
Godwin Heights Public Schools
The Godwin Heights Public Schools Board of Education has two candidates, both currently on the board, running for two full 6-year term positions.
Ken Hornecker is the current board treasurer and Allen E. Johnston is the current board president.
Students are happy to be back and local schools are offering some new, exciting programs such as robotics and other hands-on activities. All of this and more from our partners at School News Network.
East Kentwood art teacher Le Tran talks to junior Jonathan Bwaso about the effect of color in art. (School News Network)
Kentwood: Longtime art teacher receives two major education awards
Kelloggsville High School Introduction to Robotics students include, from left, Aubrey Wood, Matthew Zaiger, Pablo Vicario and Nathan Daniels. (School News Network)
Kelloggsville: Rocketing through Robotics
This year, Kelloggsville High School is offering its first robotics class which has a mix of eight students, sophomores through seniors. The students have done a variety of projects using a 3D printer including making the Kelloggsville mascot, rockets. Learn what else is in the future for these pioneering students.
West Godwin Elementary Principal Mary Lang talks to second-graders Alanah Reid and Jacoby Sucaldito. (School News Network
Godwin Heights: ‘Ner-cited’ to be back in person
Godwin Height students were virtual for the first few weeks of school with the district having a phased in return in September. Most the students said they were happy to be back after having been out-of-school since March and, more importantly, excited to see their friends and teachers.
Third-grader Mason Pickerd jumps far (School News Network)
Wyoming: Jump like a squirrel
Students at Wyoming Oriole Park Elementary School compare how far they can jump to those of squirrels in a hands-on activity developed by Lucas Education Research, which offers project-based learning lessons aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and state standards in literacy and math. For more about this lesson, click here.
Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra announced over the weekend that students and staff at Gladiola Elementary School will move to remote learning after receiving notification from the Kent County Health Department of a positive COVID-19 test result.
All other WPS school buildings will remain open for in-person learning.
The day of the announcement, Saturday, Oct. 17, the district was notified by the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) that an individual at Gladiola elementary had received a positive COVID-19 test result. Due to the extent of possible students and staff who made contact with this individual, the KCHD has recommended that the district close Gladiola elementary for in-person instruction.
The closure period will run from today, Monday, Oct. 19, through Wednesday, Oct. 28, and all “learning during this timeframe will be conducted online,” according to the statement.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in collaboration with the Kent County Health Department, it has been determined that closing the building will give the KCHD the necessary time to complete contract tracing and contact any staff and/or student(s) that may have come in contact with those who have tested positive,” according to the statement. “This will also allow us to slow any potential community spread. During the closure, the District will thoroughly clean and disinfect the school building while staff and students are not present.”
The district statement also “urges all WPS staff and students who experience symptoms or who may have been exposed to COVID-19 to get tested and self-quarantine. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children for the onset of any symptoms related to COVID-19. If there is any change in your child’s health, please contact your medical provider.”
The KCHD offers free COVID-19 screenings at multiple sites via appointment or walk-in. More information on sites and appointments is available online here or by calling 616-632-7200.
The district also “urges all of our students, staff and families to comply with the CDC guidelines to avoid further spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
Gladiola families were reminded to check their email and ParentVue accounts for additional updates.
More information on Wyoming Public Schools is available at wyominggps.org.
By Jamie Allen Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health is now offering spine surgery using the Augmedics xvision Spine System, a groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) guidance system that allows surgeons to “see through” a patient’s anatomy as if they have “x-ray vision.”
“The xvision Spine System is the first AR guidance system to be used in surgery and we are excited to offer this to our patients at Metro Health,” said Dr. Ronald Grifka, Chief Medical Officer, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. “xvision is groundbreaking technology that we feel will be a real game changer for our patients.”
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health reported that the first successful surgery with the Augmedics vision Spine System was on Sept. 21. (Supplied)
Similar to a real-time GPS technology, this “see-through” surgery allows surgeons to know exactly where to place implants in a patient’s unique spine anatomy, bringing a new standard of personalization and care to the operating room. The xvision Spine System is different from other image guidance systems, as it allows surgeons to maintain their focus directly on the patient, rather than searching for a distant screen displaying the patient’s anatomy.
“It utilizes a heads up retina display similar to military fighter jet technology allowing the surgeon to visualize the patient’s anatomy through the skin as if they have x-ray vision,” said Dr. John Keller, Neurosurgery Section Chief, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.
The xvision Spine System consists of a transparent near-eye-display headset and all the elements of a traditional navigation system. It accurately determines the position of surgical tools, in real-time, and superimposes them on the patient’s CT images. The navigation data is then projected onto the surgeon’s retina using the headset, allowing him or her to simultaneously look at both the patient and the navigation data. The xvision Spine System is designed to revolutionize how surgery is done by giving the surgeon better visualization and control, which may lead to safer, easier and more efficient surgical procedures.
“xvision allows our surgeries to be more efficient and more precise,” said Grifka. “I think it will add real benefits to patients and patient care. This is the future of surgery.”
Keller successfully performed his first surgery using xvision on Monday, Sept. 21. There are currently three surgeons who operate at Metro Health who have been trained and are actively using the system.
The Red Glasses Movement at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (WKTV)
Have you noticed the large pair of red glasses in the window of the Grand Rapids Public Museum? They are part of the Red Glasses Movement which is in honor of 5-year-old Audrey Janderno, who passed away in January of 2018. Audrey was born with Down Syndrome and a congenital heart defect however, she never let these define her. She was known for her contagious smile and her bright red glasses. This fall the Grand Rapids Public Museum has teamed up with The Red Glasses Movement in celebration with Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections made with LEGO® Bricks which opens Nov. 7. In partnership with The Red Glasses Movement, the museum has designed a scavenger hunt to find red glasses through out the museum. The scavenger hunt begins on Nov. 7. Photo is by Anna Johns.
If you have a photo you would like considered for Photo of the Week, please send it to WKTV Journal Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.
What’s in a weed? While for many of us our notion of weeds are the pesky and unwanted plants that compete for light and nutrients in our gardens, but a forest or the wooded section of a park has a much broader and even more sinister experience with weeds.
The Bittersweet vine is a problem across the nation and in Michigan. And Kentwood’s park trees are not immune. (WKTV)
These are the invasive species — species of plants that include certain types of vines that grow so aggressively so as to literally kill not only surrounding plants but even large trees.
For Jessica Schulte, district manager for Kent Conservation District, it all starts innocently enough; an attractive wreath sheathed in golden and red berries is purchased by a homeowner who enjoys the wreath and some point will discard it.
If the wreath has the attractive red and gold berries, chances are this is one of the versions of Bittersweet vine that has been dubbed one of the most invasive plants species in North America. The plant is capable of killing large trees and, with its aggressive growth, it will completely envelope a forest habitat, choking off all other growth and changing the forest forever.
And this is the challenge for Schulte.
Every summer and fall, Schulte and a group called the “Invasive Species Strike Team” fan out to West Michigan forests and residences to yank, cut and remove the vines of the Bittersweet and other invasive species.
Kentwood vs. a ‘Godzilla’ of a plant
With the Bittersweet growing to more than 66 feet in height, it might somewhat be likened to confronting a Godzilla in the forest. In a very short period of time, the Bittersweet will completely envelope a tree’s canopy, blocking sunlight while the vines have a remarkable ability to choke off the flow of nutrients by literally strangling the trunk.
Jessica Schulte, district manager for Kent Conservation District, inspecting one of Kentwood’s parks. (WKTV)
“There are no insects, molds or fungus growth to keep the Bittersweet vine in check,” Schulte said in a recent telephone interview with WKTV, as she was busily preparing another team for a site visit that would determine the extent of Bittersweet vine damage.
“We have a huge infestation in the Ada and Cascade region,” she added also pointing out that Michigan currently lacks formal regulation of invasive species.
But now Schulte seems to have attracted a significant ally.
City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley attacks some of the Bittersweet vines in a city park. (WKTV)
Mayor Stephen Kepley of the City of Kentwood was on a walk this spring in one of the city’s parks and noticed large canopies of vine growth covering some of the trees along with vines literally strangling the trunks of trees.
Mayor Kepley reached out to the Kent Conservation District and further investigation found that there was more than just one area in Kentwood that the Bittersweet vine was invading.
“I’m actually surprised that more cities, like Kentwood are not taking action against the Bittersweet,” Schulte said, “because the damage they cause can be prevented.”
Formation of Kentwood’s ‘strike team’
Like horticultural super hero figures, the Kent Conservation District has created “strike teams” of volunteers to fan out into urban wooded areas and forest to identify and remove the problem vines and weeds.
Bittersweet vines will choke out trees. (WKTV)
While our gardening grandfathers and grandmothers might have reminded us that regular weeding was the equivalent of an ounce of prevention being worth more than a pound of cure, that prevention/cure from the strike team is underway in Kentwood.
In early October, Mayor Kepley joined with community volunteers in training for the task of ridding Kentwood parks of aggressive weeds, like the Bittersweet, that threaten the parks.
Now there are more training sessions available through the winter and into the spring. And given the speed at which the vine grows and its capability of ruining the appearance of city parks, Schulte points out that the more volunteers the better.
To assist with awareness and sign-ups, Kentwood has set up a page within the city’s website that allows residents to learn more about the invasive vine and how they can join to stop the spread.
Schulte hastens to add that the Bittersweet is not like the wild grape vines or other indigenous vines like the Virginia Creeper. She points out that even poison ivy in the forest is good because the berries it produces have a high fat content which help birds survive the long winter.
Oriental Bittersweet in winter. (Wikipedia Commons)
While birds also feast on Bittersweet berries, they also spread the seeds which only contributes to forest damage.
At the same time, Schulte states that while beneficial vines and trees are falling victim to the spread of the Bittersweet, it is also affecting wildlife.
“Migrating birds are down by 40 percent because often these city parks serve as stopovers for food, but the Bittersweet is enveloping and destroying the wooded canopy and eliminating the food supply,” she said.
At the training sessions, volunteers learn how to recognize invasive weeds and vines from the beneficial ones and how to effectively remove them. Schulte points out that volunteers will also need to be trained on how to effectively remove enough of a vine to prevent it from growing back.
“If homeowners would like they can reach out to us with pictures and we can help identify if they have problem vines,” said Schulte.
For more information on the Kentwood vine volunteer program, visit the kentwood.us/vinevolunteers. To sign-up as a volunteer, contact Public Works Supervisor Jim Wolford at wolfordj@kentwood.us or call him at 616-554-0817.
It has been a challenging season for both the South Christian boys and girls cross country teams, however; the teams are thriving and both are currently ranked third in Region 13.
“All of our seniors have done a phenomenal job of leading our team and have run faster this year than ever,” said head cross country coach Kori VanderKooi.
The varsity boys cross country team is currently led by seniors Sam Westra, Hendrik Nykamp and Ethan Luurtsema. This is only Luurtsema’s second year and he has a personal record of 17:14.8 in the varsity 5,000 meter run.
This year the boys have been running consistently at times close to 17 minutes and VanderKooi said she would love to see them lower their times.
The seniors on the South Christian Varsity Boys Cross Country Team have done a phenomenal job this season according to Coach Kori VanderKooi. (Supplied)
“Our girls varsity team has shifted throughout the season, as we have a lot of depth, and a lot of solid, young runners,” VanderKooi said, adding that all of the girls are strong runners, especially sophomore Emily Langerak.
Langerak is the most consistent runner on the team and currently has a time of 20:50.2 in the varsity 5,000 meter run.
Also on the varsity girls cross country team are senior Moriah Lanning and junior Abby Winkle. Winkle currently has a time of 20:26.8 in the 5,000 meters, making her fastest on the South Christian girls team.
VanderKooi began coaching in 2011 for the South Christian Middle School Cross Country team and last year she moved up to coaching the varsity team. She had many of the runners on her team at the middle school.
“It’s a unique opportunity to see their development as runners over the span of so many years,” she said.
Recently, the team competed in the Bengal Invitational at Riverside Park on Oct. 9. The boys varsity team competed against nine other area schools and placed 7th. The girls competed against six other teams and scored 140 points.
Next week, they will be determining the final roster to decide which runners will be heading to districts and regionals. Their next race will be the OK Gold Championships on Oct. 20 at Thornapple Kellogg High School.
The Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA) has opened a new exhibition this week—Russell Prather: Layers and Light—featuring the work of Michigan artist Russell Prather in a solo installation-style exhibition of his most recent work. The exhibition will run through Jan. 17, 2021.
The Artist’s Vision and the Viewer’s Vision Prather’s work consists of multiple flat layers of opaque and translucent surfaces that create illusions of three-dimensional forms that change depending on the viewer’s perspective. Senior Curator Art Martin shares the artist’s vision:
“And the Heart is Pleased by One Thing After Another,” a poetic fragment written by the ancient Greek poet Archilochus, is Russell Prather’s point of inspiration, demonstrating the joy that comes as exploration reveals a sequence of discoveries. Prather paints patterns on transparent polyester sheets that, when layered together, establish new forms that shift depending on the position of the viewer. As your point of view changes, so too does what you see, allowing you to redefine what you perceive in subtle to dramatic ways.
About Russell Prather Prather is a professor at Northern Michigan University, where he teaches interdisciplinary English and Honors courses on Eighteenth Century and Romantic Literary and Visual Culture, Word and Image, Fine Art: Modern Sources, Film. His work has appeared at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids.
Video Artist Talk: Q&A with Russell Prather A video artist talk with Russell Prather and a virtual walk-through of the exhibition will be available starting October 22 on the MMA’s Youtube channel.
Visitor Information The Muskegon Museum of Art, at 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, Michigan, is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm and closed Mondays. Visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org for up-to-date information.
The Livery presents its 6th Annual Funk Fest – a celebration of wild & sour ales – on Oct. 20 to 25. The week will have specialty beer tappings, specialty firkins, a bottle release, and some funky food.
The Livery will be taking the entire week to celebrate their wild/funky/sours brews in lieu of the typical weekend blowout. There is something special lined up for each day starting Tuesday, Oct 20, and ending on Sunday, Oct. 25.
So make plans to stop by and get your funk on!
Tuesday: “Verchuosity 2020” tapping (Sour/Oak Aged Belgian Amber with Cherries) (+ “Mueuze”, “Maillot Noir”, “Black Lily” hit the beer board)
Wednesday: “Sour Sop Spontaneous Combustion” tapping (Sour/Oak Aged Dark Wheat with Sour Sop addition)
Thursday: “Golden Caruba” tapping (Sour/Oak Aged Golden Ale with Caruba addition)
The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium (Grand Rapids Public Museum)
The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, located at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, has officially reopened and is offering a new show designed by a West Michigan native.
“We have been working on a new show experience for our visitors, and look forward to sharing it with our audiences. Incoming! at the Chaffee Planetarium was developed in partnership with a NASA scientist, and created for learners at all levels across the learning spectrum,” said Dr. Stephanie Ogren, the Museum’s vice president of science and education.
One of the new shows is Incoming!, which was made in partnership with NASA scientist Brent Bos, who is currently studying asteroids and grew up in West Michigan. The show will explore asteroids, comets, and meteors. California Academy of Sciences developed the visuals for the show using real time date from current NASA missions. Outside of the planetarium there is a set of interactive experiences. These include a lunar crater station, meteors under a microscope and a meteor pinball machine.
“Creating interactive experiences that tie directly into planetarium show content allows visitors to dive deeper into what interests them about space,” said Jack Daleske, the Museum’s planetarium manager. “Being able to see real meteorites from the GRPM Collections after watching Incoming! allows visitors to better understand what they learned in that show.
The planetarium also will be showing One World, One Sky which follows Big Bird and Elmo from Sesame Street and their friend from China Hu Hu Zhu. Together they blast off on an imaginary trip to outer space where they learn about the moon, stars, sun, and the Big dipper.
The shows have a limited compacity and it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets cost $2 for members and $4 for the general public. Purchase tickets in advance at grpm.org/planetarium. School groups may reserve their visit at grpm.org/schools. The Chaffee Planetarium will host multiple shows per week with enough time in between for a thorough cleaning.
Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand final.
Lauren DeStefano
Take the Family to a Fall Festival
A bounce house, corn maze, spinning strawberry, train rides and and lots of fall treats will be part Woodland Mall’s Pop-up Festival in the Von Maur Parking this Saturday. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with guests invited to stroll or drive through to snatch up an elephant ear or other fall treats. Or come from noon to 4 p.m. to partake in some of the activites. Tickets are required for the activities can be purchased online or at the event.
Fulton Street Cemetery (Faith Morgan/WKTV)
Finding those Neighborhood Ghosts
It is the season of ghosts and Grand Rapids certain has its share, so why not do a little ghost hunting? Wander the streets of Grand Rapids visiting some of the area’s historic places such as St. Cecilia Music Center with its musical apparitions or the Amway Grand, where some guests have liked the hotel so much that they haven’t checked out. There is lots more in the WKTV Journal’s ghost walk.
It’s Adventure Time
Archery, donuts and more will be part of the Adventure Point‘s two days of fun fall activities taking place this Saturday and Sunday. The adventure center located at 3213 Walker Ave stretches over 35-acres of land waiting to be explored with goodies along its trails, or expect a little haunting fun if you opt for the evening adventure.
Fun Fact: The World’s Best Mouser
What is the best mousetrap? Cats. Which cat has caught the most mice that she is in the Guinness Book of World Records? That would be Towser, who in her 24 years of life managed to catch 28,899 mice. In fact, she was so good that the Glenturret Distillery, located in Scotland, where she lived, decided not only to raise a glass but erect a statute in her honor. By the way, the need for cats at the Scottish distilleries has greatly diminished over the years, but tradition being tradition, about every distillery still has a cat mascot.
The lead forecaster on Great Lakes water levels for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a planning leader for Ottawa County Parks will discuss the impact of rising lake levels during a Grand Valley State University virtual presentation.
“Confluence Conversations: Rising Great Lakes Water Levels” is presented by GVSU’s Making Waves initiative. Deanna Apps, of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Curtis TerHaar, coordinator of park planning and development for Ottawa County Parks, will give presentations and participate in a Q&A.
The free virtual event is from 7-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Learn more information and RSVP on the event website.
The presentation will address both water levels and the resulting coastal flooding and erosion that have extensively damaged lakeshore properties and recreational areas. Experts will present data and images to show the impact.
Apps will give a presentation titled “Rising Great Lakes Levels.” TerHaar will speak on lakeshore erosion and impacts to those parks.
This talk is part of a series planned by organizers of the Making Waves initiative to explore water-related issues affecting not only Grand Valley but the region as a whole, said Peter Wampler, professor of geology and a leader of the Making Waves initiative. The presentations will be geared to provide information for both GVSU and West Michigan community members.
“We want to provide resources for the community and also provide a way for Grand Valley students to hear about compelling local issues,” Wampler said.
Making Waves is a university-led collaboration among students, faculty, staff and the community to explore the ways water touches our lives. The initiative includes research, activities and events as well as collective learning on campus and beyond.
Artist J. Brett Grill stands next to the statute of Gerald R. Ford that he is now in the Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s new Presidential Gateway Plaza. (Supplied)
The statue sitting on a curved sandstone bench with a welcoming smile, legs crossed and hand out encouraging the passerby to take a seat depicts well the warm, hospitable nature of late President Gerald R. Ford, according to his eldest son Mike Ford.
“We know that dad was very approachable and very welcoming,” Ford said in his video comments during an unveiling of the statute at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Oct 15. “Today, dad is being honored right there in the new Presidential Gateway Plaza and his statute is a sign of the warm hospitality this community has to offer to all the travelers and guests who come through the airport from across the globe.”
According to the artist, J. Brett Grill, who spent a year researching the life and writings of the 38th president of the United States, said it was his intent to portray Ford in a relax manner.
Gerald R. Ford eldest son, Mike Ford, said he looks forward to the day, after COVID, when can come back to Grand Rapids and see the new statute of his dad. (Supplied)
“This sculpture stands in contrast to many of the existing monuments honoring presidents, which are typically posed and elevated,” Grill explained. “Although Ford was certainly ambitious, he was, by all accounts, an everyman, humble and unassuming, not your typical politician.
“To reflect that, the sculpture sits comfortably, welcoming travelers to have a seat next to the leader of the free world. He is approachable, amiable, and honest: the quintessential family man. It is fitting this sculpture is placed at the Ford Airport in his hometown. Even when he lived elsewhere, he remained our neighbor.”
The statute unveiling was part of the dedication for the airport’s new Presidential Gateway Plaza, which will serve as a welcoming center for travelers. Ford sits on a curved sandstone-inspired seating element, creating a place for visitors to sit with him while overlooking a global map etched into the concrete.
“As a congressman, he passed through the airport hundreds, I would say thousands of times as he traveled back to his home,” Mike Ford said, adding he would have been honored and humbled with the tribute as much as he was when the airport was renamed in his honor in 1999. That was the same year Ford was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in honor of his public service in healing the nation after the turmoil of Watergate.
“We are proud that he is there to welcome many thousands of people to his home of Grand Rapids,” Mike Ford said. “These are the people that he came to know and love through his many visits back through the airport.”
The statue of Ford is the Secchia’s gift to the Airport and all those who travel through it. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority designed and funded the development of the Presidential Gateway Plaza. Board Chair Dan Koorndyk, CEO Tory Richardson and other members of the board and leadership team joined elected and community leaders from the region and members of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Board to dedicate the plaza.
“This statue holds a special place in our family members’ hearts,” said Community Legends Committee Chair Charlie Secchia. “Not only was Ford an adept and insightful leader in a tumultuous time, he was Grand Rapids’ favorite son and someone my parents are honored to have called a friend. We could not be prouder to call him our own and to dedicate this memorial as part of the Community Legends Project.”
The statue of Ford – the 12th in the Community Legends series – is across town from the one of his beloved wife, Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Bloomer Ford, who was also memorialized in bronze by the Community Legends Project. Her statue was the 10th in the series and was dedicated in 2018 at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in downtown Grand Rapids. Additional legends in the series include U.S Sen. Lucius Lyon (considered the founder of the City of Grand Rapids), Chief Noahquageshik, Lyman Parks, Anna Sutherland Bissell and Jay Van Andel.
Through the years, the airport also has honored both the president and his wife. In 2017, the Gerald R. Ford Tribute Room was dedicated at the airport and in 2019, Betty Ford Drive was unveiled.
“Gerald R. Ford was an international man, well-traveled around the globe who always carried with him immense local pride for his Grand Rapids home,” said Ford Airport Authority Board Chair Dan Koorndyk. “We envisioned this new memorial as a way to share his global vision while offering an approachable space for our community to engage with and to enjoy.
“We so appreciate the Secchia family for choosing the Ford Airport to be home to this incredible piece of art. We hope the new Ford statute and Presidential Gateway Plaza will become a famous and well-recognized icon for our region.”
Ford was a member of Congress for 25 years where his reputation for integrity earned him the position of House Minority Leader from 1965 to 1973. He was appointed vice president by Richard M. Nixon in December 1973 and, following Nixon’s resignation in 1974, became president of the United States. During his presidency, Ford took action to stem inflation, pass the Freedom of Information Act and resolve unrest in the Middle East. He was an outspoken supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment. In 1999, he was awarded the
The Kent County Sheriff’s Department works to combat community violence, but it is looking to get some help with newly funded grants to community nonprofits. (KC Sheriff’s Department)
The Kent County Board of Commissioners announced this week the recent allocation of $500,000 of CARES Act funding to community violence prevention grants “to help stem the increasing rates of violence occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The grant program will be administered by the Heart of West Michigan United Way.
Grant applications are due to the Heart of West Michigan United Way by noon on Monday, Oct. 19, and all funds must be expended by Dec. 15, 2020 pursuant to federal requirements.
“We have seen a rise in violent crime throughout the County since the start of the pandemic,” Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young said in supplied material. “We need to work together as a community on prevention and education initiatives that can help reduce the incidents that result in violence.”
The Community Violence Prevention Grant Program will assist nonprofit organizations in preventing violent behaviors from occurring, stopping the progression of violence, and rehabilitating individuals with established violent behavior, according to the announcement.
To receive a grant, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) based in Kent County, have been in existence for at least one year, deliver all programming in Kent County, comply with all applicable state and federal laws, and provide a written summary of the project and its outcomes in January 2021.
A selection committee comprised of Kent County leaders, law enforcement, and community members will award grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000.
“Ensuring we have a safe community is a fundamental role of government. However, we alone cannot solve the spike in violent crimes that is occurring because of COVID-19,” Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Mandy Bolter said in supplied material. “It was a priority for the board to support local, grassroots programs that are working to make our communities safe for all.”
By Officer Jenni Eby City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety
Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.
Texting While Driving Fines
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is currently participating in enhanced distracted driving enforcement – so this’s week’s question is about distracted driving! Did you know that texting while driving tickets get more expensive if you get more than one? For first time offenders, the ticket is a civil infraction and a $100 fine. A second offense is also a civil infraction, but the fine is increased. How much does someone pay for a second offense texting while driving ticket?
$150
$200
$250
$500
Answer: The answer is $200; the fine is doubled for the second offense.
News programs and other media often toss out words to describe the current COVID-19 situation such as pandemic and epidemic.
It is easy to confuse epidemic and pandemic as the words are used to define outbreaks and both have “demic” in them.
What is the difference?
An epidemic is a disease that effects many people in a specific population, community, and/or region at the same time. The disease spreads from person to person and is new to the area such as the Polio epidemic of 1916 and 1952.
Pandemic is an epidemic that spreads over a larger area such as a country or a continent.
The key difference between the two is scale.
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. On March 13, 2020, a national emergency was declared concerning the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States.
For more information about epidemic or pandemic, visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website, cdc.org.
It will be opera at the baseball field on Oct. 23. (Supplied)
Opera GR will be showing a live performance of Mozart’s comedy Così fan tutte on the jumbotron at Fifth Third Ballpark Friday, Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m. The event will allow people to enjoy the performance while safely distancing from one another.
Così fan tutte is a comedic piece about a bachelor and a maid working together to unite two couples at a school for lovers. The cast includes Grand Rapids natives Christine Amon playing the role of Dorabella and Corie Auger playing the maid Despina.
“Whether you’ve never been to the opera, you’re looking for something different to do on a Friday evening or you just need some laughter in your life, you don’t want to miss this,” said Executive Director of Opera Grand Rapids Emilee Syrewicze.
General Admission for the event is $25 and for Metro Health frontline workers tickets are only $5.
Attendees at the event will be required to wear face coverings and will have their temperature checked at the door .
“The arts and a sense of community are so important to our health and well-being, particularly when so much has changed in our daily lives,” said Metro Health President and CEO Peter Hahn.
This event is apart of Opera GR’s second annual Opera week from Oct. 19-25.
Woodland Mall announced this week that it will celebrate the fall season — the beautiful leaves, crisp air and, of course, caramel apples — this weekend when it hosts a Pop-Up Fall Festival in the Von Maur parking lot.
The outdoor event, which the entire family can enjoy while remaining safe and healthy, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in collaboration with ACP Entertainment.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating the season and all the great activities and goodies it brings,” Woodland Mall Marketing Director Cecily McCabe said in supplied material. “Despite the limitations of COVID, we’ve been working hard to offer some fall fun that will allow us to gather and enjoy autumn safely. We’ll certainly be using Michigan’s beautiful fall weather to our advantage.”
According to the announcement, the festival will offer treats such as elephant ears, caramel apples, caramel corn, donuts and cider all day for participants to enjoy. Those interested may choose to either drive through or walk up to booths to purchase these treats, which can be purchased with cash or card. Seating will not be provided — participants are asked to enjoy the fall treats in their vehicles.
Festival activities will take place from noon to 4 p.m. and will include a bounce house, corn maze, spinning strawberry, train rides and more. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Only those planning to participate in activities need tickets.
Per state and Kent County Health Department guidance, the attraction area will be limited to 100 guests or fewer at a time and all participants will be required to wear a mask. There will be plenty of hand sanitizing stations and room for physical distancing.
Deep cleaning and sanitization of all attractions will take place throughout the day, according to the announcement.
Mathias J. Alten (American, 1871–1938). The Sources of Wealth, 1910. Oil on canvas. GVSU Art Gallery, Gift of Old Kent Bank; transfer from the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition showcasing Mathias J. Alten, Grand Rapids’ most esteemed painter. Mathias J. Alten: An Enduring Legacy is a survey exhibition that coincides with the 150th anniversary of Alten’s birth in 1871 and will be on view at GRAM through April 24.
Mathias J. Alten (American, 1871–1938). Self Portrait, 1913. Oil on canvas, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gift of the Artist.
In the early to mid-twentieth century, Alten was nationally recognized for his landscapes, still lifes, and portraits that drew on traditional European painting as well as more modern styles, like impressionism. The exhibition shows how over his lifetime, Alten’s painting evolved from a controlled, academic technique into a more fluid and expressive approach.
“Mathias Alten emigrated from Germany to Michigan at age 17 in 1889, where he spent the majority of his career painting and teaching in downtown Grand Rapids. Nearing the 150th anniversary of Alten’s birth, An Enduring Legacy celebrates his contribution to the arts in our city,” said GRAM Director and CEO Dana Friis-Hansen. “The exhibition includes paintings from throughout Alten’s career—including rarely seen artworks in other media and of monumental scale—offering our guests the chance to discover his work in a new way.”
Largely a self-taught artist, Alten received his first formal training in Paris at the age of 27. Like other ambitious American artists of his generation, Alten frequently traveled to paint in scenic settings and artist colonies in the U.S. and Europe. Even so, his primary residence and support base always remained Grand Rapids, where he spent the majority of his life painting and teaching.
The exhibition is comprised of highlights from GRAM’s permanent collection, the Grand Valley State University Art Gallery, and Grand Rapids Public Library, as well as works from private collections. In addition to paintings on canvas, the exhibition features murals, stained glass windows, and a selection of the artist’s private sketchbooks.
Opening concurrently with An Enduring Legacy is an exhibition in two parts: Hand and Machine in Harmony: Regional Arts & Crafts, highlighting the Arts and Crafts movement and its influence in the Midwest regions and West Michigan. Drawn primarily from a local private collection and enhanced with works from GRAM’s holdings, the first segment of the exhibition will be on view from Oct. 24 – Jan. 23 and explores three important Grand Rapids designers: Charles P. Limbert, Albert Stickley, and Forrest Emmerson Mann. These designers saw an opportunity to merge the fine craftsmanship and style of the English Arts and Crafts movement with factory production. By creating a harmony between machine production and handwork, Limbert, Stickley, and Mann produced furniture and décor that was well-made, beautifully designed, and affordable.
Mathias J. Alten (American, b. Germany 1871–1938). The Striped Skirt, 1917. Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gift in Memory of Eleanore Alten Gilleo by her Family.
“An Enduring Legacy provides an ideal opportunity to consider other creatives in Grand Rapids during the same period,” stated GRAM Chief Curator Ron Platt. “In the early twentieth century, Grand Rapids’ reputation as the Furniture City was due in large part to the cultural popularity of Arts and Crafts furniture and décor. Mann, Limbert and Stickley were responsible for some of the most beautiful and inventive Arts and Crafts design being produced at the time.”
GRAM members and the public are invited to take part in upcoming related programming, including the Member Opening Morning, Gallery Chats, art-making workshops in GRAM Studio, and Family Day. For those in our community who prefer to stay home, the Museum will continue to share free digital resources including artist interviews and talks, virtual tours, artmaking activities, and more at artmuseumgr.org/MuseumFromHome.
The City of Kentwood will again offer its Brush and Leaf Drop-Off programs to residents this fall. According to a statement from the city, both sites will run from Saturday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Dec. 6, from noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Residents can drop off brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs, loose leaves and grass clippings at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE.
“With the change of seasons, getting debris out of the right-of-way is incredibly important,” Jim Wolford, Department of Public Works supervisor, said in supplied material. “Clearing brush and leaves prevents buildup of material in the roadway and storm drains, keeping our infrastructure running smoothly throughout the city.”
Beyond helping make yard maintenance easier, leaf and brush collection services also help residents stay in compliance with city ordinances, according to the statement. The accumulation of leaves and debris within the lot line of a property or upon the adjacent right-of-way is prohibited in the City of Kentwood, as is burning leaves and brush.
The service is available to Kentwood residents only. Anyone wishing to drop off items must show proof of residency.
Materials that cannot be accepted include: trash, plastic bags, dirt, concrete, asphalt, tires, rocks, stones, construction materials, glass or metal.
By Officer Jenni Eby City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety
Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is currently participating in enhanced distracted driving enforcement – so this’s week’s question is about distracted driving! Did you know that texting while driving tickets get more expensive if you get more than one? For first time offenders, the ticket is a civil infraction and a $100 fine. A second offense is also a civil infraction, but the fine is increased. How much does someone pay for a second offense texting while driving ticket?
$150
$200
$250
$500
Check back on Thursday to learn the correct answer.
From the ghostly soldiers guarding the veterans home to the spooky inhabitants of the Amway Hotel, Grand Rapids has its fair share of spooky history. With Halloween quickly approaching it is the perfect time to check out some of the creepiest places Grand Rapids has to offer.
The Mill Creek Cemetery (WKTV / Anna Johns)
Mill Creek Cemetery
Legends say “The Green Lady” is still wandering the grounds at the Mill Creek Cemetery, 4 Bertha St. NW. There is little origin of the story of the Green Lady and her identity is unknown. Locals have shared stories of a woman wearing a green Victorian-style dress weeping by the grave of her child. The cemetery has graves dating back to the 1800s and has become overgrown hiding it from those who pass by. To reach the cemetery, visitors must follow a stone stairway into the woods where gravestones are scattered about.
The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Cemetery (WKTV / Anna Johns)
The Grand Rapids Home For Veterans
Since the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans opened in 1885, there have been reports of paranormal activity. Guests have claimed to feel cold spots, seen apparitions of soldiers in full uniform, heard footsteps and other unexplained noises. Today more than 4,000 soldiers reside in the nearby cemetery and some visitors believe it is those soldiers whose spirits still linger. The home is still active today and reports of ghostly activity continue. The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans is located at 3000 Monroe Ave NE and the cemetery is right beside the home.
The Amway Plaza Hotel (WKTV / Anna Johns)
The Amway Plaza Hotel
The Amway Plaza Hotel is so glamorous some residents decided to never check out. The hotel, located at 187 Monroe Ave. NW, has its fair share of legends. Guests have said that they have seen shadowy figures walking about and furniture moving on its own. Others have claimed negative and frightening feelings in certain areas of the hotel. Though the identity of the spirits are unknown, visitors swear something unworldly is occupying the hotel. The book “Ghost of Grand Rapids” by Nichole Bray and Robert Du Shane details one of the experiences hotel staff member Jim, who said “ If a guest leaves behind a dirty ashtray, it disappears. If someone leaves cigarettes behind, they disappear. Even if the ashtray has yet to be used, it sometimes disappears.” Other experiences include the ghost of a young boy wandering the halls, blankets being tugged off guests beds, and the ghost of a servant who still cleans in her afterlife.
The Michigan Bell Telephone Tower (WKTV/ Anna Johns)
The Michigan Bell Telephone Tower
The Michigan Bell Telephone Tower is one of Grand Rapids most notorious hauntings. The tower was once a lavish property in downtown Grand Rapids that was home to Warren Randall and his wife Virginia. Warren Randall was involved in an accident at the railway where he lost his leg. This caused Randall to be home more and lowered his self-esteem ruining the couple’s happy relationship. He would accuse his wife of cheating on him and neighbors would often call the cops complaining of loud arguments coming from the home. The tragedy happened in late summer of 1910. In a jealous fit of rage, Warren beat his wife with his wooden leg killing her before taking his own life. Their bodies were discovered shortly after and the mansion remained unoccupied until it was torn down in 1920. The Michigan Bell Telephone Co. purchased the property and built its company. Today they claim that the Randalls haunt the tower.
People have said they have heard Virginia calling out pleading for her life. Some claim they have received calls from Randalls’ spirits hearing only static or silence. Oddly these calls have been traced back to the second floor of the Michigan Bell Telephone Building during off hours. The Michigan Bell Telephone Co. Building is located at the corner of Division and Lyon in downtown Grand Rapids.
Monument Park (WKTV/ Anna Johns)
Monument Park
The Civil War monument at Monument Park is said to be haunted by the spirit of Edward Blakely. Blakely was the son of a civil war veteran and also responsible for the statue’s reconstruction. Some believe that Blakely has been hanging out at the statue in his afterlife. People have claimed to see the apparition of an elderly man staring at the statue however when they notice him he vanishes. He has been known to give up his seat to women and children before vanishing. For those looking to visit Monument Park, it is located at 1 Fulton St E.
St. Cecilia Music Center (WKTV/ Anna Johns)
St. Cecilia Music Center
The St. Cecilia Music Center is a music venue built in 1894 and is said to be home to several friendly ghosts. Performers claim that they have witnessed flickering lights, unusual voices, and shadowy apparitions. According to the book “Ghost of Grand Rapids” by Nichole Bray and Robert Du Shane claim the venue is haunted saying “If you ask if the historical St. Cecilia Music Center is truly haunted, it is likely that you would get a “yes.” In the book, the authors detail experiences from the venue including stories about missing tickets, apparitions of a woman from the Victorian era, and a ghostly janitor. St. Cecilia Music Center is located at 24 Ransom Ave NE and next time you visit the venue be sure to listen for more than just music.
Holmdene Manor at Aquinas College (WKTV/ Anna Johns)
Holmdene Manor at Aquinas College
The Holmdene Manor located on Aquinas College at 1700 E. Fulton St. has been the subject of ghost stories for centuries. The home was built in 1906 by Edward Love and his wife Susan. The legend says that the manor is haunted by one of the Love’s children who drowned on the property. Though the details of this legend have been proven untrue students insist the manor is haunted. Throughout the years guests have claimed they have seen lights flickers and reported phantom elevator rides and slamming doors. Some students have sworn they saw the face of a boy in the attic window when passing by. In 2005, a paranormal investigator, John Zaffis, visited the manor and claimed to feel the presence of several spirits. Some third-shift campus safety officers claim the ghosts are pranksters and love to flicker the lights. They also have reported strange feelings of being watched or heard children laughing.
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, who uncovered the impact lead in Flint’s water system was having on children, will discuss public health and environmental inequality during a virtual event presented in partnership by GVSU’s Kutsche Office of Local History and Grand Rapids Public Library.
“Public Health & Public Trust with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha” will be Monday, October 19, beginning at 7 p.m.; state Rep. Rachel Hood will join the discussion. The event is free and open to the public; participants must register online to receive information about how to access the program.
Hanna-Attisha was scheduled to visit Grand Valley’s campus in March as part of the Great Michigan Read. She is the author of the nationally recognized book, “What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City.”
Kimberly McKee, director of the Kutsche Office of Local History, said the virtual event aligns with the office’s mission of presenting an intersectional approach to history, while connecting with its Grand River project.
“Hosting Dr. Hanna-Attisha for a conversation supports the Kutsche Office’s interest in considering how local history intersects with environmental history, picking up on some of the themes that emerged from our Connections Along the Grand River project,” McKee said. The Grand River project was also funded by Michigan Humanities, a sponsor of the Great Michigan Read.
Julie Tabberer, manager of the Grand Rapids History and Special Collections department at GRPL, said a conversation about environmental inequality, and the relationship between democratic representation and healthy communities is important to everyone.
The 2019-2020 Great Michigan Read is presented by Michigan Humanities and supported by national, statewide and local partners, including the National Endowment for the Humanities and The Meijer Foundation. This program is funded in part by Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment of the Humanities.
The Rapid announced last week that its Mobility for All planning process will continue its public outreach efforts this week with a series of virtual meetings to gather feedback on proposed changes to The Rapid’s bus service that may take effect in the fall of 2021.
Possible changes to The Rapid’s Southwest service area — including Routes 8, 10, 16, 24, 28, 44 and the Silver Line — will be discussed on Facebook Live and Zoom platforms Thursday, Oct. 15, from 9-10 a.m. and again from 6-7 p.m. (See a Facebook page on this event here.)
According to the announcement, the proposed changes to route alignments, stops and schedules, and the introduction of new on-demand zones, are a result of more than a year of “technical analysis and public feedback” on The Rapid’s current operations.
“These meetings will offer multiple opportunities for public feedback and input on proposed changes that we believe will offer improved service and innovative new options to our riders,” Nick Monoyios, planning manager at The Rapid, said in supplied material. “COVID-19 has forced us to change our approach to outreach and engagement, but we’re confident that our process will create the best possible outcome for our riders and the community.”
The interactive digital workshops will be offered twice a day Monday, Oct. 12 through Thursday, Oct. 15 to highlight the proposed changes and offer participants the opportunity for questions, feedback, and suggestions.
There will be a comprehensive overview on Friday morning, Oct. 16, from 9-10 a.m.
The other sessions which will focus on other specific geographic areas and routes in The Rapid’s service area include:
Northeast Service Changes — Routes 11, 13, 14, 15 — Oct. 12, 9-10 a.m. and 6-7 p.m.
Northwest Service Changes — Routes 7, 9, 12, 18, Laker Line — Oct. 14, 9-10 a.m. and 6-7 p.m.
According to the announcement, additional feedback will be solicited throughout the month of October, and will be part of informing final recommendations to The Rapid’s Board of Directors in early 2021.
“Started in 2019, Mobility for All, also known as a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) in the transit industry, is an effort to improve the efficiency, productivity and reliability of The Rapid’s bus service,” according to the announcement. “By working within The Rapid’s current budget constraints, Mobility for All will result in better transit and mobility service without additional cost to the taxpayers in The Rapid’s service area.”
It has been 15 years since The Rapid conducted a COA and this plan accounts for changes in demand for transit, travel patterns, emerging mobility technologies and relies on extensive public engagement and feedback. Initial changes to bus service as the result of the COA would take effect in the fall of 2021.
Should The Rapid’s Board of Directors decide to move forward with the proposed changes, additional public hearings and opportunities for feedback will take place in early 2021.
Note: For the Michigan Nov. 3 general election, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from all candidates. If they participated, their videos are linked here, For those who did not participate, either a candidate-provided biography/issues statement, or simply their name is listed. All videos are 5-minutes or less, and were not edited in any way by WKTV.
State of Michigan 72nd District House of Representatives
The 72nd District House of Representative seat covers the cities of Kentwood and Wayland, along with a portion of Cutlerville and the community of Dorr. For a district map, click here and then search for district 072.
The candidates are a two-term incumbent Republican Rep. Steve Johnson of Wayland, and Democratic challenger Lily Cheng-Schulting of Kentwood.
Steven Johnson – Incumbent State Representative 72nd District
Occupation: State Representative for the 72nd District for the past 4 years; former Staff Sergeant in U.S. Air Force, worked on nuclear missiles.
Why did you decide to run for this position? And issues you feel voters are facing:
I am running for reelection to:
Work on providing more government transparency so taxpayers have a better understanding of how and where their hard earned money is being spent.
Reduce government debt so our children are not burdened by our actions today.
Improve the quality of education by giving parents more options and ensuring our education policy understands that each student learns differently and a one-size-fits all policy does not work.
Lily Cheng-Schulting — Candidate State Representative 72nd District
Occupation: Founder and President of the Disability A-Team of West Michigan (501c3 non-profit), and Disability and Human Rights Advocate
Why did you decide to run for this position?
As I am a proven disability and human rights advocate, I am running to ensure a high quality of life for everyone in our district! At this time, many people are hurting. Our society is facing many unaddressed social, economic, racial, and environmental problems. We need more healing and less division. I will, therefore, listen to all views and work together with you to create solutions. I will also dedicate my skills, my experience, and my energy to create positive changes for everyone, including people with disabilities, people of color, and our working class.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
Families across District 72 are strongly concerned about the quality of education for all students. Since I share everyone’s concern for the quality of education and equity in education, one of my top priorities will be education.
Many families across District 72 are also concerned about the combination of healthcare, disability services, and mental healthcare. Many families either have or know someone close to them who has a disability or mental health challenge. Since disability services and mental health are both local and state issues, I will make every effort to ensure access to high quality services to aid everyone’s present and future quality of life.
Almost all voters are deeply concerned about their neighbors and the myriad of issues which affect their neighbors. They are concerned about equality and fairness for all people. They are also concerned about our working class and small businesses, since many of their neighbors have small businesses.
State of Michigan 77th District House of Representatives
The 77th District House of Representatives seat covers the City of Wyoming, Byron Township and a portion of Cutlerville. For a district map, click here and then search for district 077.
There are two candidates are two-term incumbent Republican Rep. Tommy Brann of Wyoming and Democratic challenger Bob Smith of Byron Twp.
Tommy Brand — Incumbent State Representative 77th District
Occupation: restaurant owner and state representative
Why did you decide to run for this position?
I have been a small business owner for 49 years and in the restaurant business, which is the hardest business in the world. My restaurant I take to Lansing every day in the form of my employees struggles, customers living life and my small business mind that knows how important costs and waste are in a small business and now I bring that mindset to Lansing on costs and waste.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
Three issues are the virus, employment due to them, and jobs, and that is one really. The other two is health care and my citizens safety. I took an oath to protect the health and safety of my citizens and I carry that oath, Section 51 and article 4, in my wallet.
Bob Smith — Challenger State Representative 77th District
Occupation: Factory worker. I am a Production Team Member at North America Fuel Systems Remanufacturing in Kentwood.
Why did you decide to run for this position?
I have spent most of my life working hard to get ahead, but rarely doing more than barely keeping up. Involvement in union leadership inspired me to find other ways to serve. Seeing laws passed in Lansing that were designed to keep workers’ pay low inspired me to run for public office.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
Employment uncertainty due to the Covid-19 crisis, inflation outpacing wage growth, and concerns about sending their kids back to school during the Covid; or not being able to work if the kids continue online schooling.
The Beer City Brewers Guild’s AlePrize, a celebration of art and beer at Grand Rapids area breweries, is exhibiting local art in two local craft brew pubs in the Kentwood/Wyoming area. The month-long, city-wide event pairs local artists with local breweries.
Broad Leaf Local Beer is showing the work of Ty Davis and David Ruggeri, and Ryan Crowley. Railtown Brewing Company is showing the work of Dave Battjes.
“It’s no secret that the pandemic has impacted the brewing industry in a major way,” according to a statement from AlePrize organizers. “From taproom closures to reduced capacities to the general anxieties of keeping staff and guests safe, these have been challenging times for our region’s breweries. Fall is typically a season where taprooms can expect an uptick in business from ArtPrize visitors, but this year looks different.”
Following the regional art festival’s cancellation, the Beer City Brewers Guild come up with the idea of AlePrize, an event “that celebrates local art and beer during the age of COVID-19,” according to the statement.
AlePrize artwork on the wall at Broad Leaf Local Beer in Kentwood. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“All of us brewers in the guild are gonna miss ArtPrize in a big way,” Chad Atherton, guild board member and Director of Market Development at Founders Brewing Company “AlePrize isn’t a 100 percent supplement for what ArtPrize brings to the community, but we thought it would be a cool opportunity to connect with local artists and utilize our spaces to promote local artists.”
A $1,000 prize will be awarded to the artist who gains the most public votes and another $1,000 prize will be awarded to the top rated artist judged by a panel of local artists and culture community figures.
Of the more than 40 breweries in the guild, nearly half will be participating in some capacity. And beer/art fans should also be on the lookout for beers brewed specifically for AlePrize.
For more information on this event, visit AlePrize
Shorts Brewing part of anti-racism, anti-oppression project
Short’s Brewing Co. and non-profit Title Track have joined forces to create a call-to-action for the entire Michigan craft brewing community — step up and better our businesses and our communities for all people through support of anti-racism and anti-oppression efforts.
“As a Title Track board member, it’s been important for me to find opportunities that could support the work Title Track is doing,” Joe Short, founder of Short’s Brewing Co and Title Track board member, said in supplied material. “The craft beverage and hospitality industry made perfect sense as a platform to scale community conversations about anti-oppression programming to help us build strong and resilient communities.”
The goal is to raise $25,000 to develop anti-racism and anti-oppression programming. Short’s has made that goal even more attainable with an initial pledge of $5,000, according to supplied material.
Once the goal is met, Title Track will host five events across the state that are open to the brewing community. These events are designed to provide “a better understanding of racial justice and the steps needed to create meaningful, lasting change on the path to equity and inclusion for all — which is especially relevant in an industry made up of mostly white males.”
Title Track, a non-profit dedicated to clean water, racial equity, and youth empowerment, was launched in 2019 by Seth Bernard in the hopes of making his Michigan home a better place to live. Craft Libations for Collective Liberation is just one of many programs for the non-profit.
If you’re taking a road trip up north, through Frankfort, before the snow flies, you might want to stop at Stormcloud Brewing Company and try their seasonal release of the brewery’s Harvest Tripel.
According to supplied material, “the innovative and unique beer blends the traditional Belgian Tripel beer style with freshly harvested hops grown in northern Michigan.”
Released annually using a different hop variety every year, the 2020 Harvest Tripel is brewed exclusively with Michigan Saaz hops grown by Michigan Hop Alliance in Omena.
